Method and apparatus for photofinishing a photosensitive media and/or ordering of image products

• US 6,244,761 B1
• Filed: 03/23/2000
• Issued: 06/12/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
• Original Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
• Inventors: McIntyre, Dale F., Manico, Joseph A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rutledge, D.
• Application Number:
  US09/533,835
• Time in Patent Office: 446 Days
• Field of Search: 396/315, 396/375, 396/515, 396/564, 396/604, 396/606, 396/612, 430/434, 430/510
• US Class Current: 396/567
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 27/32 Projection printing apparatus, e.g. enlarger, copying camera
• CPC Class Codes: G03D 5/00 Liquid processing apparatus in which no immersion is effected; Washing apparatus in which no immersion is effected G11B9/00, G11B11/00 take precedence; application of liquids in general B05
• CPC Class Codes: G03D 5/04 using liquid sprays liquid sprayers per se B05B

Abstract

A method and apparatus for developing a strip of photosensitive media having image exposure area having an undeveloped exposed portion thereon. The media include heat activated developer thereon. The apparatus includes a transport mechanism for moving the photosensitive media along a processing path; and a mechanism positioned along the processing path for selectively heating the undeveloped exposed portion of the strip of photosensitive media so as to develop the images thereon. The apparatus further includes sensors for determining the location of the undeveloped exposed portion of the image exposure area. A scanner may be provided for scanning the strip of photosensitive media so as to obtain a digital record of the images developed thereon.

Claims

1. An apparatus for developing a strip of heat developable photosensitive media having image exposure area having an undeveloped exposed portion thereon, comprising:

a transport mechanism for moving the heat developable photosensitive media along a processing path;

a mechanism positioned along said processing path for selectively applying heat on the undeveloped exposed portion of said strip of heat developable photosensitive media; and

a first dry digital printer for printing images obtained from said photosensitive media on a first media of first print format.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said heat developable photosensitive media includes a developer for developing of exposed images on said media.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a mechanism for applying an activator to said photosensitive media.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said photosensitive media comprises a photographic film provided in a thrust film cartridge, said film cartridge being positioned at the beginning of said processing path.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein a scanner is positioned between said thrust film cartridge and said mechanism for applying said activator to said photosensitive media.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising a cleaning mechanism positioned between said thrust film cartridge and mechanism for selectively applying heat on the undeveloped exposed portion of said strip of heatable developable photosensitive media.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a display means for displaying of images developed on said photosensitive media and/or customer photofinishing orders.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a data entry device is provided for entering of customer order information.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a second dry digital printer for printing of said images on a second print media of a second format.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a device for determining if the photosensitive media is partially exposed.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein device comprises a magnetic read head for reading information on said photosensitive media.

12. A method for developing a strip of photosensitive media provided in film cartridge, said photosensitive media having a back side, a front side, an emulsion layer on the front side, and a heat activated developer, comprising the steps of:

a) moving said filmstrip along a film path;

b) applying heat so as to develop any exposed images present on said strip of film media;

c) scanning said strip of photosensitive media after said exposed images have been developed; and

d) cleaning said filmstrip prior to returned said filmstrip to said cartridge.

13. The method according to claim 12 wherein an activator solution is applied to said filmstrip prior to heating.

14. An apparatus for developing a strip of heat developable photosensitive media having an undeveloped exposure thereon, comprising:

a transport mechanism for moving the heat developable photosensitive media processing along a processing path;

a mechanism positioned along said processing path for selectively applying heat on the undeveloped portion of said strip of heat developable photosensitive media;

a photosensitive media being provided in a thrust film cartridge positioned at the beginning of said processing path; and

a cleaning mechanism positioned between said thrust film cartridge and mechanism for selectively applying heat.